Less is more.

Whether you're ticking off mile markers on the pave or logging hours on ribbons of singletrack, it's essential to have a comfortable, supportive perch. And Selle Italia's SLR Super Flow Saddle answers the call by building on the classic SLR shape with an anatomic cutout that relieves pressure on your sensitive tissues. Factor in a sub-200 gram weight and two width options, and you have a saddle that's made for putting in long, hard miles.

While the Super Flow maintains the flat, broad profile that's made the SLR a classic, it's the sizable cutout that both garners the most attention and earns the Super Flow its name. As with most saddles incorporating pressure-relieving cutouts, the idea is to channel pressure away from your perineal artery and the adjacent soft tissue. As a result, that pressure is directed to your sit bones (ischial tuberosity), which are far more adept at supporting your body weight. Additionally, they're able to do so without causing numbness during long rides. This principle is further supported by the wide cut out, as it removes pressure from the sensitive nerves in the region. For example,the pudendal nerve is a paired structure, with a left and right nerve. It is formed in the sacral plexus, and in simplified terms, moves down the body between the piriformis muscle and the ischiococcygeus muscles, eventually attaching to the ischial spine. From here it eventually enters the pudendal canal within which it divides off into several branches including the perineal nerve and the inferior rectal nerve. Keeping pressure off of these nerves is imperative to reducing numbness while riding.

If you've ever been misguided enough to try a gel saddle cover, you know that a soft seat does not constitute a comfortable ride. That's why Selle Italia used a modest amount of sensibly placed padding in order to ensure your comfort after multiple hours in the saddle. In keeping with that theme, the saddle base is built from a nylon-based composite, which incorporates a 30% mixture of carbon fiber. The resulting shell has the stiffness that's essential for support, but with enough flex built-in that it moves with your body instead of causing hot spots. Additionally, the lightweight titanium rails act as a shock absorber at the rear of the saddle. Not only does this create a durable saddle, but it cancels out high frequency vibrations that lead to discomfort. Finally, there are two width options, 130mm and 145mm, which are measured from the wings at the back of the saddle. These correspond to the width of your sit bones, so you're able to choose the width that best matches your anatomy.

The Selle Italia SLR Super Flow Saddle is available in the sizes 130mm and 145mm and in the colors Black and White.

Here's what others have to say...

View

Great saddle

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

The only negative comment I have about this saddle is that I regret not purchasing it years ago. I've been on the Antares VS for the last few years on both road and cyclocross, and recently began experiencing numbness on long road rides. This saddle eliminated the numbness issues and got me back on point. I'm 6'4" 220lbs with the typical "big guy" American body type, and am in my mid 30s. I highly recommend this saddle if you have a similar body type/build.

Comment on Aaron P.'s review:

Perfect saddle

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Saddles are such a personal item that a review seems superfluous. But that said, if you like a flat saddle profile and the SLR shape this is an awesome saddle. I have tried a huge number of styles - mostly out of curiosity - and always come back to the SLR profile and shape. I have been on these saddles for more than 15 years. It's the only thing I will ride for any length of time. Recently, started feeling some numbness on longer rides and on the mtn bike. Changed to the SLR Flow with great success. Love it!

Have an answer for Bob Sanda?

Pretty much the most comfy saddle EVER!!

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I'm a big guy, 6'+ and 230# and have been riding a 145mm phenom for the last couple years. I wanted to try something different and got some advice from a bike fitter about trying this out and its great. From the first ride it was super comfy, whether I'm sitting more upright in a cruise to the trail or leaned over hammering away at race pace. The giant slot down the center works wonders to relieve pressure and, as a side benefit, aid in cooling. But be careful when doing creek crossings in cold weather lol. I know the cost may be prohibitive to some but for a high quality saddle that's also very light weight its hard to beat.